Match Report

Today we welcomed Fab FC for the cup quarter final in
extremely windy conditions.

The wind didn’t prevent some excellent football from both
teams with good passing phases trying to break down strong defences at both
ends of the pitch.Diamonds had a string of corners and created a few half
chances but couldn’t test the Fab keeper. Fab moved the ball very quickly and
looked dangerous on the break. As the half moved on they looked the more likely
to create an opening but excellent defending by Diamonds kept chances to a
minimum. The half ended goalless.

The second half started in similar fashion but the game
started to spread with more space appearing. Will Jones picked the ball up in
space in the Fab half. He drove at goal and as the defence backed off he managed
to slide it under the keeper.Going behind made Fab raise their game further and they
looked dangerous down their right flank. From a corner the ball fell in the box
and was slotted home. The defence were calling for hand ball but the goal was
given. The momentum swung to Fab and from another break down the
right the number 14 cut inside onto his left foot and curled a beautiful shot
into the far corner.Diamonds still had time though and pushed forward having
brought Bailey Weatherly back on as an extra striker. A cross from the left
saw three diamonds players unmarked in the middle and Bailey forced home a late
equaliser.

So the game ended 2-2 and we went to penalties. Fab scored
their first 4 with the Diamonds keeper hardly getting near them and although
the Fab keeper, who had been excellent throughout, got close to a couple,
Diamonds also scored their 4. Up stepped the Fab number 14 who had scored
earlier, but his firmly hit shot could only smack the post, so when Josh
Lambert coolly guided his in, the Diamonds had won.

Fab were excellent opposition full of talented lads and to
lose was harsh on them. They may get the chance of revenge next month if they
win the Elite South and would then meet Diamonds in the Elite league final. If
they do we would expect another exciting game.